Co-ordinator Lox Kellas was "really pleased'' at the large turnout to services, including the 9000 who attended the Dawn Service and the many who took part in the posy laying service at Andersons Bay cemetery.
"It was great to see so many young people and families there to honour our veterans,'' Mr Kellas said.
The parade and service at Montecillo War Veterans Home and Hospital was a special opportunity to thank veterans in person for their valuable service. It was followed by a social occasion at the club.
The final formal event of the day was the presentation of a commemorative painting by the Boswell family, of Dunedin. Painted by local artist John Kendrick, the painting depicts the demolition of the Corinth Canal Bridge, in Greece, on April 26, 1941.
Although there were conflicting reports as to who was responsible for the bridge's spectacular destruction, historical research by John Neilson showed it was most likely to be the result of heroic action by Lance Corporal Colin Boswell, of Dunedin, and Sapper A.G. Thornton. Both were killed in the huge explosion and no trace of their bodies was found.
The destruction of the bridge helped to delay the German advance and allowed the Royal Navy to evacuate more of the British forces and refugees from southern Greece - more than 50,000 people in total.
Presenting the painting to the Dunedin RSA, Boswell's nephew and namesake Colin Boswell, of Wanaka, and niece Pat Grant, of Dunedin, were pleased to have their uncle's heroic deeds acknowledged.
"He was a very brave chap, so it is nice to commemorate his actions,'' Mr Boswell said. He also thanked John Neilson, who researched the story, coordinated the gift and wrote the accompanying narrative, and artist John Kendrick for their efforts.
